Solar panels

[fastpoke]

What is the general thoughts on this kit? Our local Princess Auto has them on for $330. Thought it might be a cheap starter for now untill we through out the real money. I could then keep it for the camper.

http://www.sunforceproducts.com/product_details.php?PRODUCT_ID=29


Fastpoke

[OlJarhead]

We have a set of these we bought from COSTCO before we went with a full setup.  They are 'ok' at best.

For the money, I'd suggest doing something like this:
http://www.sunelec.com/sun-solar-panel-80-watts-1750-vmp-p-1700.html
80 watts for $167
http://www.sunelec.com/specialty-concepts-solar-charge-controller-12v-4a-asc-124-p-99.html
Charge Controller for $44

After shipping and some wire you'll be at or below the price of those crappy 60watt panels and have 80 watts of charging power instead of 60.

Not to mention that you could get a second 80watt panel for 160 watts and not spend a lot more money....and be able to charge more batteries and run more lights etc....

Something to ponder

[OlJarhead]

Just saw that that controller is 4amps and the panel is 4.57imp so you might need a bigger controller but you get the idea.

[MikeOnBike]

I have the Harbor Freight 45 watt variation of that but I only payed $125 for it on sale several years ago.  At that price I think it was an 'ok' purchase but as OJH mentioned you can get a lot more for less money.

I have the 12 watt version of this and it seems pretty well constructed.  $170 for the panel/charger combo.

http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Mono-crystalline-Anodized-Aluminum-Warranty/dp/B002OSAB28/

[MountainDon]

And those other suggestions are mono crystalline cells, not amorphous, which don't fade in output as quickly.

[fastpoke]

Found these for sale online. Does anybody have any comments on this brand/price?



http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-home-renovation-materials-electrical-BP-Solar-Panels-W0QQAdIdZ374065278

[MountainDon]

BP is a good name. Can't say anything about the price as it's a Canadian price. Price seems high to a US resident; Canada used to have tariffs on things like that so that may be part of it.

[CjAl]

exchange rate is almost 1:1. its like 50 cents cheaper in usd.

[MountainDon]

It appears there is no import duty on PV from US to Canada, but there is GST and PST (except no PST Alberta I think) . Is that still true.